Randomized Phase II Trial of Consolidation Pembrolizumab After Definitive Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: KCSG HN19-09, CONPELAN Study
While consolidation immunotherapy didn't help all advanced nasopharyngeal cancer patients, immune markers suggest which ones might benefit next.
The CONPELAN phase II trial showed consolidation pembrolizumab after chemoradiotherapy did not improve progression-free survival in unselected locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, though a strong exploratory signal indicates high intratumoral TIL density may identify a benefit subgroup. These negative primary findings have important practice implications, while the TIL biomarker hypothesis merits prospective validation.
What the study was
- Study design
- Randomized phase II trial (2:1 randomization)
- Population
- Stages II-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients post-chemoradiotherapy
- Sample size
- 53
- Category
- Treatment Innovation
- Maturity
- Validated
- Journal
- Head Neck
Why it surfaced
Randomized phase II with negative result in unselected NPC; head & neck immune-oncology; TIL predictor signal clinically actionable.
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